Stocks abruptly resigns as Downs race director

CEDAR RAPIDS - Chris Stocks has resigned as race director at Hawkeye Downs Speedway.

Kevin Korsmo, a member of the Hawkeye Downs Fair Board race committee, said Stocks submitted his resignation late Tuesday.

“Yeah, I can confirm that,” Korsmo said after weekly points racing Friday night.

Stocks, who commuted from Wisconsin, was in his second year as race director. Korsmo said he hasn't talked with Stocks and didn't know reasons for the decision, but said Stocks wanted to resign immediately.

“We accommodated his wishes,” Korsmo said. “We wish Chris Stocks all the best in his future endeavors.”

Stocks' duties will be distributed among Korsmo and five other race committee members. The departure will force them to take a more active role.

“We have a great bunch of officials and workers out here,” Korsmo said. “We're proud of them and the job they do.”

The race committee plans to remain positive, finish the season and proceed from there, according to Korsmo.

“Chris Stocks is obviously going to be missed,” Korsmo said. “We have to move forward now.”

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By K.J. Pilcher-